Operation Mahadev: When patriotism meets compassion, humanity shines the brightest. A moving example of this was seen in Gujarat when Vijay Bhai Bharwad, a prominent builder and philanthropist from Surat, rushed to help the grieving family of an Indian Army soldier who laid down his life during Operation Mahadev in Kashmir.
The martyr, Mehul Mapabhai Bhuva (Bharwad), a brave son of Dhamel village in Lathi taluka of Amreli district, sacrificed his life on September 18, 2025, while serving the nation in Kashmir. Two days later, on September 20, his final rites were performed with full state honors in his native village.
Witnessing the heartbreaking visuals of the soldier’s wife and children crying inconsolably, Vijay Bhai’s heart melted. Without wasting a moment, he gathered his team, arranged a convoy of cars, and reached the martyr’s home to offer help — handing over a silver plate filled with ₹21 lakh in financial assistance to the bereaved family.
A Heart That Felt the Pain of a Martyr’s Family
Speaking to local media about the incident, Vijay Bhai recalled how he first learned about the tragedy through social media.
“I saw on social media that our brave brother Mehul Bhai Bhuva had attained martyrdom during Operation Mahadev in Kashmir. The visuals were deeply emotional — the children were crying, and his wife was heartbroken. Those scenes touched my soul,” he said.
He continued,
“I immediately thought that whenever someone from our country sacrifices their life for the nation — no matter which community or region they belong to — we must stand with their families. As social leaders, it’s our moral duty to take responsibility for their children and ensure they never feel alone.”
‘We Will Support the Education of the Children Until They Turn 18’
Vijay Bhai explained that after seeing the painful scenes, he gathered his team to decide how best they could help the martyr’s family.
“We decided that we would not only give financial help but also take responsibility for the children’s education. Our team agreed to contribute collectively, and we immediately arranged ₹21 lakh to support their education and daily needs. We have also assured the family that our trust will continue to help them until the children reach 18 years of age.”
He further added,
“This is not just financial help; it is an emotional commitment to the family of a hero who gave his life for India.”
A Scene Filled with Tears and Gratitude
Recalling the emotional moment at the martyr’s house, Vijay Bhai said,
“When we arrived, the entire village was gathered. Local leaders, MLAs, and MPs were present. The children and their mother were crying uncontrollably. When we handed over the assistance, everyone, including us, was in tears. It felt like we were not just giving money — we were giving assurance to a family that their son’s sacrifice would never be forgotten.”
He added that the trust has also assured the local panchayat and administration of full cooperation in ensuring that the family receives all government benefits on time.
“Whatever additional help they need, our trust will be there to support them,” he emphasized.
A Life Dedicated to Service: About Vijay Bhai Bharwad
Born in 1977 in Bhadiyad (Pir), Dhandhuka, Vijay Bhai Bharwad is a respected social leader and philanthropist in South Gujarat. He completed his education up to Class 12 and currently serves as the Managing Director of Gokul Developers.
He wears multiple hats of social responsibility and service, holding several prestigious positions:
- President of Malabhai Sarabhai Bhadiyadra Education Trust
- Trustee of Gowaliyadham Dwarka
- Former President of South Gujarat Bharwad Samaj
- Trustee of Kiran Hospital, Surat
- Trustee of Maruti Veer Jawan Trust
- Trustee of Gowaliyadham Junagadh
His Journey of Philanthropy and Education
Since 2009, Vijay Bhai has been running the Malabhai Sarabhai Education Trust, aimed at supporting economically weak students across Gujarat.
“Many students in our community struggle to continue their education due to financial problems. To ensure that no child is deprived of learning, we distribute one lakh notebooks every year, along with pens, compasses, and school supplies. We also pay the school fees of students who cannot afford them,” he shared.
The trust also organizes several community projects to promote education, health, and equality. Whenever a case of need is brought to their attention — by journalists, social workers, or individuals — they immediately take action to provide relief.
Social Projects That Changed Lives
Vijay Bhai’s trust has implemented several innovative and humanitarian projects that have impacted thousands of lives:
1. Annapurna Scheme
Under this initiative, the trust provides monthly rations, clothing, toothpaste, and essential items to elderly women and children from underprivileged backgrounds.
“When we came across a 70-year-old widow living with a child, we decided to support them for 12 months. That case inspired us to start a permanent plan — now, anyone in need can register, and we take care of their food and daily needs,” he explained.
2. Hari Aashro Project
This housing initiative supports widowed women and their children by building homes for them in their native plots.
“We have a target to build 100 houses under this project. So far, 22 homes are completed, and we continue to build more as applications come in,” Vijay Bhai shared.
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Historic Contributions and Recognitions
Vijay Bhai’s service to society has earned him wide recognition and respect across Gujarat. Some of his remarkable contributions include:
- In 2017, he launched the Shikshan Rath (Education Chariot) to spread awareness about education. Covering 3,070 km from Bhavnagar to Surat in six days, the campaign inspired countless families. The then Chief Minister of Gujarat personally honored him for this noble effort.
- During the 2017–18 Banaskantha floods, he donated ₹5.11 lakh to the district collector, Mahendra Bhai Patel, for relief work.
- Every year, his trust organizes mass marriage ceremonies to promote economic equality and social harmony.
- In Gandhinagar, his trust provides free residential and coaching facilities for more than 800 students preparing for competitive exams.
“Whenever a soldier from our community loses his life in the line of duty, our trust takes full responsibility for his children’s education,” he said proudly.
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‘The Nation Must Care for Its Heroes’
Reflecting on the sacrifice of Martyr Mehul Bhai Bhuva, Vijay Bhai’s voice fills with emotion:
“We cannot replace the loss of a son or a husband, but we can ensure that his family is never left helpless. When a man gives his life for the country, the community must stand up to take responsibility for his family. That’s what humanity means.”
His act of generosity has touched hearts across Gujarat and beyond. Social media is flooded with messages praising his compassion and calling him an example of true patriotism.
Operation Mahadev: A Mission That United the Nation
Operation Mahadev, launched by the Indian Army in Kashmir, symbolizes courage, dedication, and sacrifice. It was during this critical mission that Mehul Mapabhai Bhuva gave his life protecting the nation’s sovereignty.
His bravery became a story of inspiration, and Vijay Bhai’s gesture has turned it into a tale of collective humanity — showing that when one son of India falls, millions rise to support his family.
A Message of Hope and Humanity
As the sun sets over Dhamel village, the story of Operation Mahadev continues to echo through every household. The tears of a grieving family have turned into tears of gratitude — because one man decided to act instead of just feeling sorry.
“It’s not about how much we give,” says Vijay Bhai, “but about how deeply we care. Our soldiers protect our borders; the least we can do is protect their families.”
In a time when the world often forgets its heroes after the headlines fade, this story from Gujarat reminds us that compassion still lives — in the hearts of those who believe that the nation’s duty does not end at the battlefield.
